Lockheed Martin has awarded two key subcontracts to Saudi Arabian industry to second source certain components for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system.

A localisation agreement between the kingdom and Lockheed Martin supports project approvals announced by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) during the 2022 World Defense Show to localise the manufacture of THAAD interceptor canister and THAAD Missile Round Pallet in Saudi Arabia.

These subcontracts will enhance manufacturing capabilities in the kingdom and transfer expertise to strengthen the country’s defence industry, which aims to achieve 50% localisation by 2030.

The prime partners receiving subcontracts include the Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC), based in Riyadh, and Arabian International Company (AIC) for Steel, based in Jeddah. Other Saudi industry partners have also received subcontracts in support of these efforts.

Joseph Rank, CEO of Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia and Africa said its localisation efforts in the kingdom are progressing, and that it is proud to see that MEPC, AIC Steel and other Saudi partners are now ready to engage in manufacturing and supporting key components of the THAAD Weapon System.

"Our mission is to help improve regional security while supporting job creation and economic prosperity, and we're very proud to be working with our partners in the kingdom to localise defence systems and contribute to the country's development goals under Saudi Vision 2030."